How Finest Community Coalition Members are Supporting San Diegans Through the Shutdown

The recently ended government shutdown left many families across San Diego are facing new and unexpected hardships. The effects rippled through every neighborhood, disrupting livelihoods, straining local services, and most critically, reducing food security for thousands of residents. 

As essential benefit programs like SNAP (CalFresh) remain unfunded for weeks, countless families struggled to put food on the table. In San Diego County alone, about 400,000 people rely on SNAP benefits, including more than 125,000 children. These numbers represent more than statistics; they are our neighbors, coworkers, and classmates. 

Thankfully, several of our own coalition members in San Diego worked and are continuing to work to mitigate the impact, providing real help to those most affected and most vulnerable. 

Finest Community Coalition Members Provide Needed Assistance 

Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) continues to provide essential services for individuals and families in crisis. Through JFS’s dedicated resource page for those affected by the shutdown, JFS offers food assistance, counseling, case management, and connections to additional local resources. Whether someone needs groceries for the week or emotional support during disconcerting times, JFS is ready to assist any San Diegan. 

Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego is providing interest-free “Furlough Bridge Loans” of up to $2,500 to help individuals and families cover immediate expenses. This initiative offers a financial lifeline to those waiting for back pay or struggling to meet basic needs. Information about eligibility and applications can be found on their website, ensuring that relief can be quickly obtained. 

The KEN Jewish Community is putting on their Hands On Giving event November 15. The KEN’s program provides hands-on opportunities to do community service and social work. This weekend, students will personally deliver donations of toiletries and other essential items to local families identified in partnership with the National School District and The Good Neighbor, a nonprofit founded by a KEN alum that supports homeless individuals as well as vulnerable children across San Diego. 

KEN students will also spend the day building connections through hands-on activities such as crafting, cookie decorating, making friendship bracelets, and playing sports, with these activities all aimed at fostering warmth, joy, and a sense of community.  

Strength in America's Finest Community 

The prolonged disruption has deeply affected families, individuals, and communities in tangible ways. From the basics of food and housing to the emotional toll of prolonged stress and uncertainty, San Diegans have been navigating challenges that extend well beyond financial strain. As paychecks were missed and vital programs stalled, families have been forced to make difficult sacrifices and delay critical services. 

Yet amid these hardships, we also see the extraordinary power of our community. Local institutions, nonprofits, and volunteers across the county are working tirelessly to meet growing needs and to ensure that every resident is not alone.